The IAA will be broadcast on IFC in April 2009 and comprise of a half hour special with highlights from the IAAs and will be hosted by comedian, actor and proud game enthusiast, Jay Mohr.

This landmark deal brings together the IAA, the only peer-based awards that recognize the year’s best games, computer games, online entertainment, outstanding individuals and groundbreaking developments teams with IFC, the network that uncovers champions and delivers alternative programming. The IAAs are supported by all of the major video game publishers and developers in the industry. No person may vote unless he or she can demonstrate a threshold level of experience and professional credits in the industry.

“The Academy is excited to bring the Interactive Achievement Awards -- the Oscars of video games -- to the IFC audience,” said Joseph Olin, President, AIAS. “The amazing popularity of interactive entertainment is attributed to the manner that today’s games allow people to be part of fantastic worlds, incredible challenges and the simple fun of sharing these experiences with friends and family. As IFC celebrates the creative spirit of independent filmmaking, I can think of no better place to showcase the talented men and women who are responsible for our dynamic entertainment art form.”

“Bringing the Interactive Achievement Awards to our audience marries alternative culture with alternative content,” said Jennifer Caserta, executive vice president and general manager of IFC said. “The Interactive Achievement Awards is an exciting and highly anticipated addition to our programming line-up that will include award highlights, scenes from the red carpet and interstitials hosted by IFC News’ Matt Singer.”

The 12th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the Red Rock Resort and Casino in Las Vegas during the annual D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) Summit hosted by the AIAS. The D.I.C.E. Summit is a once yearly conference dedicated to exploring approaches to the creative process and artistic expression as they uniquely apply to the development of interactive entertainment.